Schumacher cool as hopes for comeback remain

Michael Schumacher on Wednesday dismissed as "speculation" suggestions he
might try to re-start his Formula One comeback at a later date.
Some pundits and publications predict that after a two-race stint for Luca
Badoer, the 40-year-old German...

Michael Schumacher on Wednesday dismissed as "speculation" suggestions he
might try to re-start his Formula One comeback at a later date.

Some pundits and publications predict that after a two-race stint for Luca
Badoer, the 40-year-old German might try again to be fit for Ferrari's
home race at Monza.

At a press conference alongside his doctor Johannes Peil in Geneva, it was
confirmed that the seven time world champion did sustain head, neck and rib
damage, and an artery injury, in a motorcycle testing crash in February.

But as for the Monza rumours, and Luca di Montezemolo's apparent desire to
prepare a third car for Schumacher next year, the German said: "There is
always speculation.

"I'm very disappointed not to do what I was looking forward doing and
that's all I'm thinking about," he added.

Dr Peil, meanwhile, said Schumacher is healthy apart from the
aforementioned motorcycle injuries.

The Italian newspaper Tuttosport said: "We can only hope. Perhaps
Schumacher will make his comeback at Monza."

One pundit who hopes Schumacher is soon fit enough to race is Niki Lauda,
who to the Austrian broadcaster ORF is scathing of Felipe Massa's new
understudy, Badoer.

"For Ferrari it's a disaster because there is no driver market," the
triple world champion said. "I could drive in the place of Badoer and also
be at the back.

"He hasn't driven any Grands Prix in ten years and is simply not good
enough," a scathing Lauda added.